Stunning ESPN star Laura Rutledge quits SEC Nation after more than a decade: ‘Hard to say goodbye’ READ MORE: NFL icon breaks down in tears on ESPN in discussion about son See more Daily Mail on Google – save us as a Preferred Source By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 03:26 BST, 27 May 2026 | Updated: 03:28 BST, 27 May 2026 ESPN host Laura Rutledge has revealed she is stepping down from ‘SEC Nation’ after more than a decade on the show.
In a major bombshell at the network, the 37-year-old has walked away from the pregame college football program in order to ‘expand her NFL assignments’, President of ESPN Content Burke Magnus said in his own statement on Tuesday. Rutledge was first to announce her SEC Nation exit, saying in a heartfelt message: ‘Ten years ago, I walked onto this set not fully knowing what the journey would become. Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. ‘SEC
Nation has never just been a show to me. It’s been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special. From the roar of packed stadiums on crisp fall mornings to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never see, every second has meant something. ‘Seeing all of you show up for us every Saturday and feeling genuinely honored you wanted to take pictures and chat will always stick with me.’ In her
farewell statement, Rutledge gushed over being afforded the chance of ‘telling stories that matter’ about characters who are ‘bound together by something bigger than the game itself.’ ESPN host Laura Rutledge has revealed she is leaving ‘SEC Nation’ after more than a decade The stunning presenter is set to ‘expand her NFL assignments’ in a Super Bowl year for ESPN ESPN’s Laura Rutledge opens up on mental struggles after landing big role on network’s NFL coverage ‘But more than anything, it’s the people who made
this experience unforgettable,’ she continued while paying tribute to crew members who ‘worked tirelessly before sunrise and long after the cameras stopped rolling’ as well as colleagues ‘who became lifelong friends.’ She also heaped praise on SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the SEC for ‘trusting’ her in the role. ‘I’ll never forget the chance you took on me and how impactful it’s been on my life and career.’ ‘It’s hard to say goodbye to something that has given me so much,’ Rutledge concluded in her
statement. ‘SEC Nation has shaped me, challenged me and given me memories I will carry forever. ‘While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact it’s had on me never will. I’ll still be involved in college football and the SEC and I’m excited for those opportunities. ‘Thank you for letting me be a part of your Saturdays, your traditions and your stories. It has truly been an honor.’ In August last year, Rutledge made a move to the sidelines for ‘Monday Night Football’,
having previously hosted the network’s daily ‘NFL Live’ show. It marked a major career move for the SEC Network presenter as she switched into a full-time role as an NFL sideline reporter. Rutledge released an emotional statement confirming her SEC Nation departure on Tuesday While he confirmed she will now be mainly focusing on the big leagues in what will be a Super Bowl year for ESPN, Magnus gave little else away in his own statement on Rutledge’s SEC Nation exit. ‘For more than a
decade, Laura has been a beloved and integral member of the SEC Nation family, combining her love of college football with her passion for storytelling,’ the ESPN chief said. ‘As Laura continues to expand her NFL assignments in ESPN’s Super Bowl year, we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to SEC Network and for the lasting impact she’s made.’ Share or comment on this article: Stunning ESPN star Laura Rutledge quits SEC Nation after more than a decade: ‘Hard to say goodbye’ Add comment
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Wait she’s leaving already? SEC Nation won’t feel the same.
Sounds like they’re just moving her to NFL stuff, but I feel like it’s more than that. ESPN always swaps people out and then acts like it’s some “exciting new chapter.”
If she’s expanding her NFL assignments… does that mean she’s gonna be on Sunday Night Football now or is it like pregame too? I saw a clip once where she was talking about the SEC and now it’s gone lol. Either way I’m kinda shocked she made it 10 years.
I don’t get it. Like if she loved it so much why leave? Probably contract money or ESPN got rid of her spot or something. Also SEC Nation is basically the only reason I watch on Saturdays, so now I guess I’ll just… not? Hard to say goodbye my foot, this is sports media, it’s always temporary.